Outlook: Benintendi averaged 24 points last season and was named the CHL and Division III Player of the Year, but he's not Madeira's only scoring threat. Almquist returns for his senior season after missing last year with an ACL injury, and Wyrick (8.3 ppg, 4.5 apg) brings the ability to score or find open teammates. Madeira's nine-player rotation keeps the Mustangs fresh, and the team gained depth by adding a few JV players from last year's 18-2 squad. The biggest hurdle for the Mustangs might be their limited ability to practice because of success in other sports: Wyrick and Almquist anchored Madeira's high-flying soccer team, and Ballweg led the CHL in interceptions for the playoff-bound football team.

Outlook: Mariemont certainly has the size to control the post with four starters measuring at least 6-3. What remains to be seen is if the team can protect the basketball and defend the perimeter. Four Warriors committed more than three turnovers per game last season, but the team's experience should limit that number this year. Mahorney had 10 double-doubles last year and might be a player of the year candidate.

Reading

Coach: Jason Nagelhout (second season, 12-10 overall)

Last year: 12-10 (8-6)

What's new: Four seniors lead the Blue Devils, and some skilled underclassmen give the squad depth.

Outlook: Reading had great scoring balance in its starting lineup last year, but will need its bench and first-year starters to step up. Estep (14.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Durbin (9.8, 3.5) are the team's nucleus and will help the less-experienced players to fill their roles. Amyx and Hubbard will need to provide support if they want to secure Reading's fourth-straight winning season and possibly a second CHL title in three years.

Indian Hill

Coach: Tim Burch (fourth season, 47-20 overall)

Last year: 16-6 (12-2)

What's new: The Braves return only one starter but hope to contend for a league title behind solid guard play.

Outlook: Griggs returns to anchor an offense that graduated 10 seniors. He posted a remarkably efficient 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio and might climb as high as third on Indian Hill's all-time assist list. The Braves will count on strong bench play, including the post presence of the 6-7 Gould and 6-8 Karl Koster.

Wyoming

Coach: Matt Rooks (first season)

Last year: 2-19 (1-13)

What's new: Rooks is preaching a "new identity" for the Cowboys, who return all five starters.

Outlook: Frost (11.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.1 apg) and Kurtz (11.7, 8.5, 1.8) lead an experienced team that's hungry to rebound from a disappointing season, and little improvements might help the Cowboys ascend in the CHL standings. Only Frost and Kurtz averaged more than four points last season, and only two players had more assists than turnovers. Rooks hopes to change the Cowboys' course after eight seasons as an assistant with Moeller. "We are looking to use the experience and build a new identity for Wyoming basketball," he said.

Finneytown

Coach: Adam Griggs (third season, 31-15 overall)

Last year: 15-8 (9-5)

What'snew: Griggs eyes the Wildcats' third-straight winning season behind seasoned players who can control the tempo.

Outlook: Finneytown graduated three of last year's starters, but Griggs has had success with players who stepped into leadership roles. eturning starters Nelms and Butler must provide on-court leadership.

Outlook: The Wildcats are coming off their first winning season since 2008, during which they emerged from a three-year slump that included a 1-41 record in CHL play. Three senior starters return to anchor the squad that's adapting to "Bock ball," a high-octane style named after their coach.

Taylor

Coach: Daulton Picklesimer (second season, 4-17 overall)

Last year: 4-17 (1-13)

What's new: With only one returning starter, the Yellow Jackets will rely on their athleticism to improve.